After its foundation, Armenia was “corregimiento” (district, village) of Salento; In 1903 it obtained the category of municipality; Until June 30, 1966 belonged to the Department of Caldas from where it separated with its Eleven Municipalities as Capital of the Department of Quindío.

As it was said before, its economy was flourishing and had special impulse with the arrival of the Railroad; Its urban development was generated around Bolivar Square and trade in agricultural products and merchandise was especially made in the area of ​​race 16 with street 22. On September 8, 1935 a large fire occurred in that market place And for its replacement was hired the Italian architect Antonio Bernardi.

The new market place was built between 15 and 17 streets and runs 18 and 16. Place where today is the Municipal Administrative Center that was located there after the Earthquake of January 25, 1999 when the market square or Galleries was demolished.

There were 4 apples or blocks each with a specific commercial activity: Meats, Fruits and Vegetables, Grains and the fourth was general merchandise. Inside the galleries in what is now the corner of race 18 and 17th street, he was known as the “Corner of Yawning”; Since there was the site of concentration of the people in search of employment.